North Island resort joins exclusive company

PORT McNEILL—Thirty-five years after its humble founding in the remote region between Vancouver Island and the lower B.C. mainland, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort has been recognized as one of only 24 sustainable worldwide destinations sanctioned by the National Geographic Society.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort was announced as a charter member of the newly created National Geographic Society Unique Lodges of the World, further enhancing its commitment to sustainability, which has been one of the pillars of business of the family-owned business for more than three decades.

“When we were first approached by National Geographic to join as one of their charter members of the Unique Lodges of the World, we knew that the collection of properties they would choose would share the same passion for the environment that we have at Nimmo Bay,” says Fraser Murray, owner and operator of Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort. “We’re excited to work with National Geographic to share our vision for sustainable travel through the Great Bear Rainforest on the coast of British Columbia.”

To coincide with joining as a charter member, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort will be offering guests who book through National Geographic a private sunset cruise aboard the Resort’s newest boat, The Faunz, to Wells Pass near Nimmo Bay. One of the most common areas to see resident whales and dolphins playing, Wells Pass also offers an ideal setting for witnessing a breathtaking sunset in the Great Bear Rainforest over a gourmet dinner.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort has focused on sustainability and sustainable travel since the beginning when, in 1982, founders Craig and Deborah Murray installed their own water-powered hydroelectric system (a Pelton wheel) at the base of a Mount Stephens waterfall. Continuing that legacy today, the Resort incorporates sustainable practices at all levels, including serving locally and ethically caught wild Pacific salmon and seafood; supporting and purchasing from local suppliers; using environmentally friendly spa, bath, and cleaning products; maintaining a robust catch-and-release fishing policy; and continuing to develop an ongoing relationship with Aboriginal partners for cultural and naturalist tours. In addition, guest accommodations, operational buildings and staff quarters are built on the water, along the edge of the forest, and on a rocky promontory, ensuring that the Resort’s presence has not impacted the surrounding forest or disturbed the wildlife habitat.

Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort and Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland & Labrador are the two Canadian experiences chosen as charter members of the collection of worldwide properties.

“It’s one of 24 in the world,” Craig Murray quipped. “That’s not bad.”

Each lodge chosen as a charter member offers an outstanding guest experience while supporting the protection of cultural and natural heritage and embracing sustainable tourism practices. The initial collection — numbering 24 properties on six continents — further builds National Geographic’s travel portfolio, which includes National Geographic Expeditions, Traveler magazine, travel books, photography courses and the @NatGeoTravel digital and photography community.